Dodgers: Current LAD helped Kiké Hernandez choose Alex Cora

Given their surplus of options in the middle infield and outfield, on top of their precarious financial situation, the Los Angeles Dodgers probably knew entering the offseason that they wouldn’t have the requisite leeway to re-sign fan favorite utility man Kiké Hernandez.

Being unable to retain spark plugs and players who are vital to clubhouse morale are simply the consequences of spending money in bunches, and, of course, winning a championship. It goes without saying that Hernandez fulfilled these roles over his six-year tenure in Los Angeles, and, as tough as it was to see him leave, it was just as satisfying to watch his hard work get rewarded.

As we know, Hernandez inked a two-year, $14 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, who famously defeated the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series when their supposed sign-stealing operation was still at large.

Given their history, Hernandez bolting for Boston didn’t sit well with some fans. However, your opinion might change after we tell you that his former Dodgers teammates endorsed his big-money move to the northeast.

Some of Kike Hernandez’s former Dodgers teammates played a role in his decision to sign with Boston in free agency.

Hernandez recently disclosed that he turned to some former Red Sox players — including outfielder Mookie Betts, starter David Price and reliever Joe Kelly — for their thoughts on manager Alex Cora, whose reputation has taken a stern hit in light of the one-year suspension he received last season for his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.

A couple of glowing reviews later, and Hernandez booked a one-way ticket to Boston to play for a manager who comes from a similar ethnic background. Based on his comments, that also had a significant impact in his decision to join the Red Sox.

“It made my decision a lot easier to come in and have the opportunity to play for Alex (Cora), Hernandez told reporters. “I’ve talked to Joe (Kelly), Mookie, and David Price, and they all preach about Alex and what he brings to the table as a manager and how good of a communicator he is. I’m just really, really excited to be able to play for a Puerto Rican manager.”

In normal circumstances, Hernandez probably wouldn’t think twice about playing for a manager from his home country.

However, when you consider that he was part of the 2017 team that was deprived of a championship thanks to the Astros’ cheating operation, — of which Cora (a bench coach at the time) was allegedly the mastermind — it’s easy to see why he sought some solace in his now-former teammates.

All things considered, this was a smart call by the 29-year-old livewire.

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